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KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b

Neptune-like Scorpius

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is a Neptune-like planet orbiting KMT-2019-BLG-1216L in the constellation Scorpius. It lies about 8,937 light-years from Earth and was discovered in 2023 using the microlensing method.

29.9×Earth mass
8,937 lyDistance
2023Discovered

Is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b in the Habitable Zone?

The position of KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b relative to the habitable zone of KMT-2019-BLG-1216L cannot be precisely determined from the available orbital data.

Orbit and Year Length

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b orbits at an average distance of 2.440 AU.

How Was KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b Discovered?

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b was discovered in 2023 using the microlensing method, with observations from KMTNet.

Gravitational microlensing detects a planet when its host star passes in front of a more distant background star, and the planet's gravity adds a brief, telltale spike to the magnified starlight. It can find planets thousands of light-years away.

How Far Away Is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b?

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is 8,936.7 light-years (2,740.0 parsecs) from Earth. Light arriving here tonight left the planet about 8,937 years ago. A probe traveling at the speed of Voyager 1 — about 17 km/s, the fastest outbound spacecraft ever launched — would need roughly 157,285,920 years to make the journey.

The Host Star: KMT-2019-BLG-1216L

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L

Mass
0.39 M☉

Planetary System

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is the only planet known to orbit KMT-2019-BLG-1216L so far.

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b — Complete Data

Mass29.88 Earth masses (0.094 Jupiter masses)
Orbital distance2.440 AU
Distance from Earth8,936.7 light-years (2,740.0 parsecs)
ConstellationScorpius
Discovery methodMicrolensing
Discovery facilityKMTNet
Discovery year2023

Data: NASA Exoplanet Archive, last updated 2023-05-26. Earth Similarity Index: PHL @ UPR Arecibo.

Frequently Asked Questions About KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b

Is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b habitable?

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is not known to orbit within the habitable zone of KMT-2019-BLG-1216L, and as a Neptune-like planet it is an unlikely candidate for life as we know it.

How far away is KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b?

KMT-2019-BLG-1216L b is about 8,937 light-years from Earth in the constellation Scorpius. A spacecraft traveling as fast as Voyager 1 (about 17 km/s) would need roughly 157,285,920 years to get there.

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